Director Paul Thomas Anderson celebrated the life of his close friend and collaborator Philip Seymour Hoffman by delivering a touching eulogy at the actor's funeral in New York on Friday (07Feb14). The filmmaker cast the tragic actor in three of his films - Boogie Nights, Magnolia and The Master - and he helped to pay tribute to his late pal at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola service by sharing his favourite memories, many of which prompted warm laughter from mourners including Cate Blanchett, Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore and The Master co-stars Amy Adams and Joaquin Phoenix.
The Wire star John Doman, who was among the 400 guests at the memorial, tells NBC News, "It was sad, it was celebratory, it was emotional, it was inspirational, it was terrific."
Playwright Jose Rivera, who worked with Hoffman at the Off Broadway Labyrinth Theater Company, tells the Wall Street Journal, "It was quite beautiful. He (Anderson) just had a lot of very personal and lovely memories of Phil. And he made us all laugh; he quoted Phil extensively and we could kind of hear his voice in the room."
After the 90-minute service, Hoffman's coffin was carried out by six pallbearers as his longtime girlfriend, Mimi O'Donnell, and their three young children looked on from the top of the church's steps.
Other stars in attendance at the funeral included Michelle Williams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ethan Hawke, Ellen Burstyn, John Slattery, Mary Louise Parker, Jerry Stiller, Marisa Tomei and Spike Lee.
A larger, public memorial for Hoffman, who died from a suspected drug overdose on Sunday (02Feb14), is expected to be held later this month (Feb14).

Actors Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Amy Adams, Julianne Moore and Joaquin Phoenix are among the mourners who gathered in New York on Friday (07Feb14) to attend the private funeral of tragic actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. Other celebrity friends and admirers, including Michelle Williams, Ethan Hawke, Ellen Burstyn, John Slattery, Mary Louise Parker, Jerry Stiller, Marisa Tomei and Spike Lee, were also spotted arriving at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola in Manhattan's Upper East Side to pay their respects and say farewell to the Oscar winner, who died from a suspected heroin overdose on Sunday (02Feb14).
An estimated 400 guests joined Hoffman's longtime girlfriend, Mimi O'Donnell, and their three young children for the service, which took place a day after friends, family and former co-stars remembered the 46 year old at a wake at the nearby Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home.
The church where the funeral is currently taking place is the same venue where R&B star Aaliyah and former U.S. First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis' memorial services were held.
The actor's family has asked for charity donations in lieu of flowers for The DreamYard Project and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation - Hoffman's favourite causes.
A larger, public memorial is expected to be held later this month (Feb14).

Paramount via Everett Collection
Apparently, friends that launder money together, stay together. Jonah Hill and Leonardo DiCaprio enjoyed working with each other so much on The Wolf of Wall Street that they've signed on to star in another film together. The project, based on the 1997 Vanity Fair article "American Nightmare: The Ballad Of Richard Jewell," follows the security guard who was lauded as a national hero before being falsely accused of bombing the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Hill will play Richard Jewell while DiCaprio will take on the role of a lawyer who befriended Jewell and helped him cope with his public ordeal and clear his name. As of yet, there's no director or screenwriter attached to the project, but but we're sure with a story this interesting and two Oscar nominees attached, it's only a matter of time before someone signs on.
Between this film, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Hill's recent Saturday Night Live appearance, it seems like these two have become inseparable. Therefore, it seemed only right for us to help find them more projects that they could possibly star in together, so that both their personal friendship and professional relationship can continue for years.
A Nicholas Sparks Romance First comes a movie, then comes friendship, then comes Hill and DiCaprio playing opposite each other in a tender love story written, as all great love stories are, by Nicholas Sparks. The two will play friends who have always been inexplicably drawn to one another, but after DiCaprio returns home from fighting overseas, they decide to throw caution to the wind and listen to their hearts. Unfortunately, their love will face greater hurdles when Hill's character is diagnosed with a terminal illness. The film will either be based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks, or will be turned into a novel by Nicholas Sparks.
A Superhero and His Sidekick There may be many superhero sequels and reboots in theaters, but none of them have featured any sidekicks, which gives DiCaprio and Hill the perfect opportunity to front their own franchise. And if there are any actors who can finally make the Aquaman film a reality, it's these two. DiCaprio will play Aquaman, the Defender of the Seas, who can communicate with marine life, and Hill can play Aqualad, his sidekick and the founder of the Teen Titans. Alternatively, if Hill is deemed too old to play a teenage superhero, or if they just want to move things in a more comedic direction, Hill can voice Storm, Aquaman's noble steed. Everybody loves a wisecracking horse, right?
A Live Action and Animation HybridAlthough DiCaprio has starred in films that span a multitude of genres, he's never lent his voice to an animated film once over the course of his career. What better way to ease himself into the voice-over game than by taking part in a live action/animation crossover with his good friend? Hill can play an every day, mild-mannered detective who discovers one day that there is a giant, talking rabbit in his kitchen (voiced by DiCaprio), and the two solve crimes together. Add in some vulgar language, since everyone likes watching cartoons curse and behave badly, and you're got yourself a hit.
A Period PieceSure, The Wolf of Wall Street took place in the late eighties, and this film will take place in the mid-nineties, but we'd like to see these two really show off their dramatic chops and star in an epic historical drama. Nobody's made a film about Napoleon yet, and Hill would make a perfect 19th century French dictator. DiCaprio can take on the role of the Duke of Wellington, who helped defeat Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, although they were once friends, and a horrible betrayal has forced Wellington to defeat his former ally in battle. Sure, parts of it might not be historically accurate, but that's what happens in Hollywood.
An Experimental Film About HollywoodWhat better way for these two to pay tribute to the director who brought them together than by making a film all about him? In this low-budget, experimental film, Hill will step into Martin Scorsese's glasses, while DiCaprio will take on the role of Christopher Nolan, in a movie all about the conversations that directors when they're in between projects. They will discuss everything from their work to their personal life, and when they run out of conversation topics, there will be 5 minutes of awkward silence while they wait for their meals to arrive. Think My Dinner With Andre, but someone will probably get shot at the end.
A Gritty Cop DramaOne of Hill's most celebrated roles is as a police officer in 21 Jump Street, so it would be nice to see him play a corrupt cop with mob ties in a dark, sinister drama. DiCaprio, on the other hand, will take a break from playing so many serious roles, and will play a rookie cop who has been assigned as Hill's partner, with a tendency to goof off and an inability to take anything seriously. Over the course of the film, they learn to work together, and maybe even learn a few things about themselves. Andre Braugher will also star as the no-nonsense police captain tasked with keeping them both in line.
An Low Budget, High Gore Horror Film They might not be proud of it, but every actor needs at least one horror film on their resume. Hill and DiCaprio will play two good friends and business partners who escape to Hill's great uncle's cabin in the woods to get some work done ahead of a major deadline. Unfortunately, when they get there, it seems like there's something weird going on with the locals, who keep warning them not to spend the night in the woods. Of course, later that night, a young woman arrives on their doorstep, covered in blood and claiming that someone is coming after her. Without cell service, help from the local authorities or even knowing what's hunting them, the three must attempt to make it through the night alive. Actually, that sounds like a film we'd watch.
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PBS
This episode is channeling Season 1 but bringing way more drama. It’s great to see the return of the snarky, passive-aggressive Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery) we love to hate. She’s back to becoming stone faced and staring into space, viciously insulting her sister, and getting the best suitors. She’s not the only one back to their Season 1 personas. Thomas Barrow (Rob James-Collier) is back to scheming and has enlisted some help. Plus, the moment you have been waiting for ... the peace between the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) and Isobel Crawley (Penelope Wilton) is over. Full shade ahead!
Upstairs
Evelyn Napier (Brendan Patricks) stops by the Abbey. If you’ve forgotten him, he is the suitor that introduced Mary to Mr. Pamuk (Theo James). Mr. Pamuk was the guy that de-virginized her and died in her bed. Napier is working on a survey of how the war has affected Aristocratic manors. Speaking of manors, Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) is dealing with the death of one of the estate’s farmers. Mr. Drewe (Andrew Scarborough), the farmer’s son, has inherited a significant amount of debt. Lord Grantham kindly pays the debt in exchange for Mr. Drewe working it off. The Lord is back to keeping secrets from fellow estate runners, Mary and Tom Branson (Allen Leech). Branson is threatening to move to the U.S. to escape the stuffy life of an aristocrat and spare his daughter any embarrassment.
Edith Crawley (Laura Carmichael) is lurking by the metaphorical mailbox waiting to hear back from Michael Gregson (Charles Edwards). It doesn’t look promising for him since he just moved to a pre-Nazi Germany. Drunk Liza Minnelli Cora Crawley (Elizabeth McGovern) adjusts to her new lady’s maid and tries to convince Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol) that they need to buy a refrigerator.
Isobel takes an interest in a young neighborhood boy, Peg. She convinces the Dowager Countess to hire him. However, when an antique letter-opener goes missing, the Golden Girls clash over the boy’s guilt. It’s witty barbs and loud sighs. Here’s hoping they have a fight in a fountain like on Dynasty.
Downstairs
Alfred (Matt Milne) seems adept at cooking. He’s selected to apply for the apprenticeship at The Ritz. Everyone in the kitchen is excited but he’s nervous. Meanwhile, with the prospect of Alfred leaving, Carson (Jim Carter) offers the footman position to Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle). Despite willing to take any odd job in the village, do with that what you will, Molesley’s pride is hurt at the prospect of being demoted to footman. Alfred ends up not winning the internship so Molesley ends up red-faced when he returns for the job. Looks like Molesley is one step closer to suicide.
The disturbing Anna Rape storyline continues to get more depressing. Anna Bates (Joanne Froggatt) has been super icy to Bates (Brendan Coyle). Bates overhears Anna talking to Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan) and he devises a plan to find out what happened. He threatens to leave unless Mrs. Hughes comes clean. Thinking on her feet, she invents an assailant that raped Anna during the concert. However, Bates is convinced it’s Mr. Green (Nigel Harman). This is where things get dark. To this point, Anna has not known his name was even Mr. Green. Also, Bates is getting very scary and murdery. His violent inclinations and Anna’s fear make it seem like he could be abusive. Here’s hoping the writers don’t go in that direction.
Style &amp; Sass: Best Lines of the Night
Not the first time you have had the wrong end of the stick. –Mary to Edith
I wonder how your halo doesn’t grow heavy. It must be like wearing a tiara ‘round the clock. –The Dowager Countess to Isobel Round I
Mrs. Patmore, is there any aspect of the present day that you can accept without resistence? –Cora
Well M’lady I wouldn’t mind getting rid of my corset. –Mrs. Patmore’s response
What would you prefer that I invite the local criminals to drop in strip the house bare? –The Dowager Countess to Isobel Round II
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NBC
3rd Rock From the Sun is by far one of the best sitcoms in television history. It’s the perfect blend of the outlandish sitcom premises of the 1980s and the ensemble driven comedies of the 1990s. In the '80s, sitcoms had wildly illogical premises – a Buckingham Palace butler moves in with a Pittsburgh family (Mr. Belvedere), an alien moves in with a family (Alf), or a scientist makes a robotic daughter (Small Wonder). The '90s were chock full of ensemble comedies like Seinfeld until Friends brought about the dark ages of sitcoms. 3rd Rock merged the two and lasted a shocking six seasons and resulted in multiple Emmys and Golden Globes for the cast and crew.
Dick Solomon (John Lithgow) is the High Commander of an alien expedition to Earth. The creatures have been given human bodies and it brings a lot of humorous hi-jinks. Sally Solomon (Kristen Johnston) is the Security Officer and the one chosen to be “the woman” and is conveniently stunningly attractive. The Information Officer and oldest of the group gets placed in the body of a teenager in the form of Tommy Solomon (Joseph Gordon-Levitt). Harry Solomon (French Stewart) was not intended to take the trip but joins the crew and acts as the communicator to their home planet. Solomon teaches at the local college and has a very tense relationship with Dr. Mary Albright (Jane Curtin) and secretary Nina Campbell (Simbi Khali).
The series is genius. It finds the humor and irony in the mundane things we take for granted. The Solomon family has a unique perspective on the simplest of human customs and experiences. The cast is also full of amazing actors. Not only are Lithgow and Curtain comedy veterans, but since the series Levitt has proven himself to be an A-list actor. Stewart and Johnston are also still on television in the series Mom and The Exes, respectively.
The series has some pretty great recurring guest stars including William Shatner as their alien leader, Jan Hooks as Harry’s love interest, and John Cleese as a rival alien for Dick. The series also features appearances by Roseanne Barr, Phil Hartman, Christine Baranski, and Jane Lynch.
3rd Rock is worth a thorough binge watching for jokes that stand the test of time, an ensemble of amazing actors, and episodes that, for lack of a better term, are light years ahead of some series that are currently on television. All six seasons of the series are available to Hulu Plus subscribers.
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Comedian Steve Harvey has been cleared of child abuse allegations after he was accused of hitting his 11-year-old son. The star's ex-wife, Mary Harvey, and their son claimed the funnyman had brutally beaten the young boy for lying about schoolwork, after his body appeared to be covered in bruises and cuts.
After cops referred the case to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, it was decided that the kid was at no risk and the case against Harvey has since been closed.
Harvey's representative tells TMZ.com that family services officials decided, "Based on the information obtained, the child does not appear to be at risk... the case is closed without further investigation."
However, in a strange turn of events, the comedian's second wife was charged with contempt of court on Thursday (19Dec13) for leaking sealed information about the alleged incident to the media, and has been sentenced to 30 days behind bars.
Harvey, 56, was married to Mary from 1996 to 2005, but the union ended amid allegations of his infidelity with Marjorie Bridges, who he wed in 2007.

Disney
You expect a bit of schmaltz from a movie about the making of Mary Poppins. But schmaltz doesn't entail a sentiment lathered so thickly that it's feels like an anti-depressant commercial, or material so broad that it's insulting to believe that audiences above the age of five can relate to the emotionality onscreen. Saving Mr. Banks takes for granted that its viewers are fans of traditional Disney, seeming to confuse Disney fans for Disney characters, and insinuating that we bear the intellectual sophistication thereof.
The real victim, of course, is the character of P.L. Travers (Emma Roberts, charming as she can be with this material), who incurs a fraction of a storyline about overcoming (or learning to live with?) her latent childhood traumas. As a young girl in Australia (as we learn in intermittent flashbacks — by and large the dullest part of the movie, but such a hefty piece of it), young Travers adored her merry, whimsical alcoholic father (Colin Farrell, playing a character that feels as grounded in reality as Dick Van Dyke's penguin-trotting screever Bert), enchanting in his Neverland mannerisms while her chronically depressed mother watched the family crumble into squalor.
Forty-odd years later, the themes of Travers' childhood inform (sometimes directly, right down to presciently repeated phrases) her resistence to allow her novel Mary Poppins to take form as a Disney movie. In the absence of a reason for why she might have a sudden change of heart about a feeling to which she has apparently held so strongly for two decades, Travers opts to fly out to California to meet Walt Disney (Tom Hanks, wading through the script without any of the energy we know he has in his back pocket) and discuss the adaptation process.
Disney
When it's not insisting upon clunky "melting the ice queen" devices — like nuzzling Travers up to an oversized stuffed Mickey Mouse to show that, hey, she's starting to like this place! — the stubborn author's time in the Disney writer's room is the best part of the movie. Working with (or against) an increasingly agitated creative team made up of Bradley Whitford, Jason Schwartzman, and B.J. Novak, Travers protests minor details about setting and character, driving her colleagues mad in the process. It is to the credit of the comic talents of Whitford and Schwartzman (who play reserved agitation well beside Novak's outright hostility — he's doing mid-series Ryan in this movie, FYI) that these scenes offer a scoop of charm. But Travers' gradual defrosting poses a consistent problem, as it is experienced over the slow reveal of her disjointed backstories in a fashion that suggests the two are connected... but we have no reason to believe that they are.
The implications of the characters' stories — depression, child abuse, alcoholism, handicaps, and PTSD — are big, and worthy of monumental material. But the characters are so thin that the assignment of such issues to them does a disservice to the emotionality and pain inherent therein. A good story might have been found in the making of Mary Poppins, and in the life and work of P.L. Travers. Unfortunately, Saving Mr. Banks is too compelled to turn that arc into a Disney cartoon. And much like Travers herself, we simply cannot abide that.
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Laura Cavanaugh/Getty
The stars of Downton Abbey beat their show back to the states. PBS will begin airing season four of the phenomenon on Jan. 5, but a few residents of the big house were on hand at a PBS event in New York City on Tuesday to preview the new episodes for some superfans. Superfans with impeccable restraint, if they've steered clear of downloads. The Dowager would be proud.
After a screening of the first 40 minutes of episode one, the cast took the stage with executive producers Julian Fellowes and Gareth Neame. The discussion was plagued by lazy questions from moderator Bill Carter (just because you work for The New York Times doesn't mean you don't have to do your homework). Six months have passed since the gut-wrenching twist at the end of season three, and there's plenty more to talk about than how gosh darn uncomfortable those costumes must be.
Still, we managed to get some scoop. Hugh Bonneville (Lord Grantham) reminded us that his character means well, but remains "a beat behind the action" in terms of social change. Michelle Dockery hinted that the widowed Lady Mary will have several suitors pursuing her this year, and pointed out that many fans think Branson (Allen Leech) should be among them. Speaking of love connections, Phyllis Logan gave some hope to those who'd like to see Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson get together: "She has great affection for him." When asked if Lady Edith will finally catch a break this season, Laura Carmichael struggled to give a spoiler-free answer. But we're guessing the answer is no. Lesley Nicol is still lobbying for Mrs. Patmore to get a boyfriend. And clear audience favorite Rob-James Collier reassured us that Thomas won't stop scheming anytime soon. Thomas has been told by society that he's an abomination, and so he meets those expectations. "As Eminem once said," Collier quoted, "I am whatever you say I am." Barrow is a 1920s Eminem. It all makes sense now.
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Frank Ockenfels/FX
Fiona Goode (Jessica Lange) has a brief respite from her advancing sickness. After the attempt on her life, she seems in good spirits and as powerful as ever. However, someone is still going to depose her as ruler of the witches of Miss Robichaux's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies. Here are the candidates for the next Supreme and possible reasons why they might just end up being Mary Wilson. (Note for non-Motown heads: She was famous for being a founding member of The Supremes but had a high-profile feud with Diana Ross and was briefly poor for a while.)
Misty Day
Why She’s The Supreme: Misty (Lily Rabe) has the power of resurgence. Resurrecting the dead is one of the mysterious seven wonders. Unlike everyone she has resurrected, she is in near perfect condition. Why She’s Mary Wilson: It’s too early in the season and she might be a red herring. Also, she’s Myrtle Snow’s pick for Supreme and as gifted a witch as Myrtle is, she’s a little cuckoo for Coco Puffs.
Zoe Benson
Why She’s The Supreme: Zoe (Taissa Farmiga) has a killer nether region, which seems like a unique power. Also, she was able to break a spell by Marie Laveau (Angela Bassett) remotely and knock her on her butt. She rematerialized The Axeman and he seems to be back to life. That, technically, could be considered a 7th wonder resurrection. Also, the first episode began with her so she’s a major protagonist in the story. Why She’s Mary Wilson: It’s a little obvious. The audience will see it coming. She also isn’t the most adept at magic. Her spells never really work out the way she wants.
Madison Montgomery
Why She’s The Supreme: Madison (Emma Roberts) has telekinesis which is Fiona’s primary power. She also developed pyrokinesis and Fiona suddenly got sicker. Fiona also took a spell when Madison was resurrected. Also, after being resurrected, despite advanced rotting, she seems in fairly decent condition. Now that she’s back to life she’s still in the running for America’s Next Top Witch Ruler. Why She’s Mary Wilson: She did die ... pretty easily. Also, while she was dead, she didn’t have any magical protection from becoming a plaything for a necrophiliac with a doll fetish.
Queenie
Why She’s The Supreme: Queenie (Gabourey Sidibe) bridges the two worlds of witchcraft and voodoo. She also isn’t the most likely choice. The fact that Marie Laveau wants to use her to destroy the coven of witches could be a hint. Also, when she learns of Marie’s betrayal it’d be an awesome smackdown if she had Supreme power. Why She’s Mary Wilson: She isn’t a series regular on the show so she may not survive joining the voodoo clan. Also, Fiona healed her with magic. If that happened wouldn’t she, via magic physics, get sicker on the spot if one Supreme healed another?
Nan
Why She’s The Supreme: Nan (Jamie Brewer) is the least likely choice. She has stayed in the sidelines and hasn’t had much of a role in the major storylines. It would be the penultimate WTF moment. Also, Ryan Murphy does like to give actors with Down Syndrome a voice. On Glee, Becky (Lauren Potter) was at the center of some major reveals as well. Why She’s Mary Wilson: Despite a strong grasp on her own magic, she hasn’t really shown any prominent magical skill outside her own ability.
Kaylee
Remember that firestarter that had freak nasty sex with Hank Foxx (Josh Hamilton) then got shot? Her name was Kaylee (Alexandra Breckenridge). Why She’s The Supreme: If we are not discounting anyone resurrected like Misty and Madison, there’s no reason why Kaylee couldn’t be The Supreme. Also, she was such a scene-stealer when she played the younger Moira the maid in American Horror Story: Murder House. It also looks like she will be resurrected in the episode “Head.” Why She’s Mary Wilson: It would be a huge leap to upgrade such a minor character to The Supreme. We just want to cover our bases.
Cordelia Foxx
Why She’s The Supreme: Cordelia (Sarah Paulson) is the daughter of The Supreme. To date, we haven’t seen any of her abilities to know if she has had the power all along. Also, she’s repressed a lot of her power until now. When she went blind, she was instantly given a second sight. Could that be a forced manifestation of her supremeness? Why She’s Mary Wilson: It might be too much of a leap for her to be the Supreme all this time and not kill Fiona. It also would be a little misguided to make her the Supreme. However, the writers of American Horror Story have done crazier things. Remember the aliens last year?
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The CW
You wouldn’t be too far off in saying that Adelaide Kane is the breakout star of The CW’s fall line up. Her new show Reign is based on the teenaged years of Mary, Queen of Scots as she tries to secure her alliance with France by marrying Prince Francis II (Tony Regbo). We already love Reign and its leading lady. But for those who don’t know much about Kane, here is why she should be your new lady crush.
1. She can speak fandom.
With super fans talking online about “ships,” “feels,” and “I can’t even,” it sometimes seems as if they’re speaking in a code language. However, Kane has embraced fan terminology and can even speak it: “Just so you know, this ocean of feels has room for all the ships! Eat your little hearts out mateys.”
2. She knows her TV.
Reign has been compared to a lot of other TV shows: Game of Thrones (with a bit less sex and bloodshed) and Downtown Abbey (without Maggie Smith unfortunately) among others. But Kane has said that Reign is a mix of Game of Thrones with The Tudors, and a little bit of Felicity — because who wouldn’t want some '90s teen drama mixed with the medieval time period?
3. She can do action.
Although Kane got her start acting on the Aussie TV soap opera Neighbors — and she can obviously pull off the dramatic moments in Reign — she’s also really good at action roles. Not only did she play a butt-kicking werewolf on MTV’s Teen Wolf, one of her earliest acting roles was on Power Rangers R. P. M.
4. She’s not Queen-like at all (and that’s okay!)
Whether she’s making faces with fellow cast mates or pretending to have a mustache, Kane is less like a queen and more like any other 23-year-old. Her Instagram is full of pictures featuring her friends, her food, and her job (which means lots of behind the scenes photos from both Reign and Teen Wolf). Is it just us, or does she seem like a really cool friend?
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